Appeals court overturns murder conviction of Renville, Minnesota man
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October 19, 2023
ST. PAUL, Minn.–The Minnesota Court of Appeals has overturned a murder conviction and ordered a new trial for a Renville man who shot and killed a man while that person was attacking his step-brother in August 2021.
Julian Valdez said he and his step-brother were playing pool in his garage when Pablo Gutierrez attacked, and Valdez fatally shot him.
In reversing the conviction, the appeals court said prosecutors made a mistake when they told the jury that Valdez was required to retreat from danger if possible, which violated Valdez’ right to use reasonable force to aid another person in “resisting an offense against that person that threatens bodily harm.”
